Method for Protecting Data Transmission in MPLS Networks Due to Failures

Abstract

A method protects data transmission from failures, wherein the data transmissions are from a source to a destination in a Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) network, and the data transmissions are via a labeled-switch path (LSP) with segment protection in protection domains. A maximum recovery time for each protection domain is constrained, and for each protection domain, one or more backup tunnels are determined. A graph of nodes of the LSP and the backup tunnels is constructed, wherein edges in the graph represent the links between the nodes. A weight is assigned to each edge to produce a weighted graph. Based on the weighted graph, a path from the source to the destination that satisfies a reliability constraint with a minimum cost is determined by using an optimal combination of segment protections and a reliability-guaranteed least-cost

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates generally to Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) in Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) networks, and more particularly to the survivable and cost-efficient path computation and protection of Label-Switched Paths (LSPs) in MPLS networks.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) is a highly scalable, protocol insensitive, data transmission mechanism in conventional backbone networks. MPLS directs and transmits data from one network node to another using Label-Switched Paths (LSPs).[0003]FIG. 1A shows a conventional protocol stack with IP 101, MPLS 102, Optical Transport Network (OTN) 103, and physical layers. MPLS directs data transmission from one node to the next based on short path labels rather than long network addresses, avoiding complex lookups in a routing table. The labels identify virtual links (paths) between distant nodes rather than endpoints.[0004]It should be noted that networks accord...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes three different methods for determining the best path or protection for a network of users. The first method guarantees reliability with a minimum cost for certain users. The second method minimizes the joint failure probability. The third method combines reliability and minimum cost. These methods can be used to optimize network performance and ensure reliable connections for users.

Problems solved by technology

MPLS networks are most widely used in optical networks, where physical network resources (such as long-distance optical fibers) are vulnerable to numerous risks (failures) that may harm network connectivity.

These risks can come in land environments (e.g., natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods and hurricanes), or human activities (e.g., underground construction, tunnel fires, drag nets and anchors).

Marine environments pose a particular problem because failure locations are hard to detect and repair.

It is known that conventional routing methods, which usually only determine a shortest route, are prone to result in an LSP with a high failure probability, because the LSP may go through high-risk environments when failure-related factors are not considered.

However, those methods suffer from “detouring” routes in many cases, which result in costly consumption of network resources, as well as end-to-end delays.

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